StokerCon™ 2021 is slated to be held at the Curtis Hotel in Denver, Colorado, from May 20th through the 23rd. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, considerable uncertainty exists about the convention. Will it be held as scheduled? If not, when will it be held? How will it be held?
As of now, we intend to hold the convention as scheduled. At the same time, we are working on contingency plans should that not be possible. We are discussing the issue on an ongoing basis with The Curtis, who are sensitive to the situation and the needs and concerns of our attendees.
If for some reason we cannot hold the convention as planned, any change will be announced more than sixty days before May 20th so that those who wish to change their plans may still obtain a refund for their registration fee and change or cancel hotel reservations and alter travel plans. We recommend those planning long distance travel who wish to purchase airfare or other tickets in advance look into refundable options and travel insurance.
If for some reason we cannot hold StokerCon™ 2021 in person, we will look into the possibility of a virtual convention and have begun investigating options. This contingency is too far into the future to make concrete plans, though we will work to ensure a complete and enjoyable convention.
Assuming StokerCon™ 2021 can be held as planned, masking and/or social distancing restrictions may still be in place. Any safety considerations will be strictly enforced. To accommodate potential social distancing limitations (reduced room capacity), we are looking at options for virtual presentations of live programming so attendees could watch these sessions live streamed via their devices.
These plans are works in process; nothing is finalized. But what we know is StokerCon™ 2021 will take place. The HWA will honor all registrations purchased for the convention, no matter when it is held. We want to make sure this is clear before the convention registration price increases on January 1st.
StokerCon™ 2021 gives us our first opportunity in over a year to get together and see our friends again, but we will only do this in-person if it can be done safely. We will continue to update you as our plans firm up.
James Chambers and Brian Matthews
Co-Chairs, StokerCon™ 2021